Monday 26 June 2017 11:59, UK
Frank Buglioni will not let Ricky Summers stand in the way of his hopes for a world title fight with Nathan Cleverly, says trainer Don Charles.
The British light-heavyweight champion makes the first defence of his title against Summers at The O2 this Saturday, live on Sky Sports, with Joshua Buatsi also making his professional debut.
Buglioni moved up a division after losing on points to WBA super-middleweight champion Fedor Chudinov in 2015, but trainer Charles is confident the 28-year-old will seize his second opportunity if he can secure a shot at the division's WBA king Nathan Cleverly.
"He's been there once before," Charles told Sky Sports. "One step at a time, he's got to defend his title successfully. I do believe he will do that and he's also got a mandatory by September. No matter who it is, we will win that.
I believe he will not look out of place in challenging Nathan Cleverly and he will be victorious
"You shouldn't look too far ahead, but obviously you cannot help but look at who is in your division in this country, and it just so happens that Nathan Cleverly, who I rate highly, is the current world champion.
"We believe collectively that will materialise. I believe he will not look out of place in challenging Nathan Cleverly and he will be victorious."
Cleverly has been mentioned as a likely opponent for Badou Jack on the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor bill, but Charles is hopeful that the Welshman remains on course for a potential fight with Buglioni.
"An all-British title clash, the people would love that, and you could see that fight happening but again it's all based on us being successful in defending our title," said Charles.
"We must not overlook Ricky Summers and it also depends on Nathan Cleverly holding onto his title. I believe he's maybe fighting against Badou Jack.
"Provided he's successful then who's to say end of next year or early next year, we could see that happening."
Watch Frank Buglioni against Ricky Summers this Saturday night, with Joshua Buatsi, Conor Benn, Lawrence Okolie also in action at The 02, from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
